The London Agent Website Published August 2016

If you are visiting London for the first time, postcodes may seem a rather random jumble of numbers and letters. Not so, of course. They are meaningful, important and quite simply, they let you know what part of town you are in.

A London postcode is a tiny map that tells you where you are or where you want to go. W stands for west, WC stands for west central, E for east, N for north, SW for south west and so on.

When you move around London you will fast discover that knowing the correct postcode of a building makes it so much easier to locate.

Street names are never unique in any capital city and this is especially true in London. Different streets in various parts of town can have the same name, or a slight variation on it. This can be confusing, especially for visitors who may not notice a subtle difference or who don’t speak English well.  A postcode, however, is unique. With the right postcode, you will be able to find any location you need easily and certainly.

A London postcode has two sets of letters and numbers that work together, 3 of each. For example, SW3 3NR.  The two sets are written separately and in capital letters. The first set identifies the area and postal district and the second identifies the street and house.

Postcodes can take on a certain social status, affecting house prices. In the property market, W2 may be a more desirable postcode than W11, even though the two are neighbours.

These days when you visit London, you are more likely to use a postcode to orientate yourself rather than to post a letter. But it’s always nice to know that if you are posting some letters, they will speed along to their destination helped by that oh-so-important code.

These handy apps will help you find a postcode or use one you already have, so you can make plans with confidence and not get confused.

Find a postcode

Citymapper

It would seem that the intriguing code of London’s postal districts is extremely logical and proper – how very English!  Visit London with The London Agent and make your stay as problem free and pleasant as possible.

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